On February 20, 2024, A.D.A.M. announced a multi-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), building the foundation for a transformative biomedical manufacturing collaboration between cross-functional private and public sector stakeholders in West Virginia.
The collaborative agreement represents the collaboration between A.D.A.M., Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, West Virginia Department of Economic Development, Necessity Ventures, and the Civil-Military Innovation Institute (CMI2) setting the establishment of a Materials Processing Center, a Point-of-Care facility, and Professional Training programs to support biomedical manufacturing in West Virginia. The present MoU shows the long-term commitments both for the Company and for the State of West Virginia and represents a true strategic partnership. It will greatly foster an ecosystem that supports innovation, education, and healthcare advancements and contribute to West Virginia’s leadership in transforming the legacy manufacturing base into a thriving innovation economy.
Our mutual trust with West Virginia entities empowers us to deploy strategic technological solutions that are at the heart of A.D.A.M.'s mission. We believe that there is an ultimate synergy between our end-to-end platform, the strategic vision of local institutions, and West Virginia’s expertise and manufacturing capabilities.
"Our West Virginia investment is an important step forward in advancing additive manufacturing as we will mainly focus on producing biomaterials through 3D printing for biomedical technology applications," said Denys Gurak, A.D.A.M. CEO.
The memorandum outlines several impactful initiatives, including establishing a materials processing facility in the Huntington area, a point-of-care facility, and a series of training and workforce development initiatives that could create up to 50 jobs.
The collaboration extends throughout West Virginia with engagement with CMI2, a non-profit defense innovation organization focusing on rapid development and technology transition to meet warfighter needs. CMI2 boasts operations in Morgantown, Clay, and Shepherdstown.
Yurii Wowczuk (CMI2) and Denys Gurak (A.D.A.M. CEO)
"I have every expectation this investment will add jobs to West Virginia's growing biomedical manufacturing industry, and CMI2 is excited to be part of the consortium making it happen", said Dr. Zenovy Wowczuk, founder of CMI2. "We look forward to working with A.D.A.M's leadership team to support the continued development and commercialization of this essential 3D printing technology."
Manufacturing investments in West Virginia are championed by Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and the Senator was instrumental in assisting A.D.A.M. 's market entry into the state.
“The biotechnology that A.D.A.M. wants to expand has the potential to improve our nation’s healthcare system, support economic growth, and further cement West Virginia’s leadership in advanced manufacturing initiatives. As West Virginia continues to attract innovative businesses, I will continue to advocate for policies and work with state and local partners to encourage additional growth and investment in our state”, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) said.
A.D.A.M. is working closely with the WV Department of Economic Development and other key stakeholders in the state to maximize impact and integration to future initiatives.
"The partnership with A.D.A.M. and other stakeholders represents a pivotal moment for advancing additive manufacturing”, said Derek Scarbro, Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center Director. “Together, we will establish cutting-edge training programs to support these facilities and shape the future of this industry."
Derek Scarbro (MAMC) and Denys Gurak
West Virginia's manufacturing history and innovation ecosystem, combined with Marshall University's expertise in advanced manufacturing, set the stage for the innovative partnership with A.D.A.M. The collaboration contemplated in the MOU aims to optimize the supply chain for 3D-printed biomaterials, starting with bone implants for orthopedic surgeries.
The collective group will move forward on site selection for material processing facilities, and implementation of point-of-care manufacturing in West Virginia for both military and rural applications, and commercial opportunities.
Read the full press release here.